Holster and Tourniquet

ABSTRACT

A tourniquet for applying pressure to a limb to stop the flow of blood is disclosed. The tourniquet includes a plate, a first band and a second band. The first band draws through the plate. The first band includes a tensioning member. The second band positions within the first band such that one end of the second band connects to the first band and the other end of the second band connects to the tensioning member. The first band receives the limb of the user while the plate remains on the limb. The tensioning member operates to draw the second band towards the tensioning member allowing the first band to put pressure on the limb and stop the flow of blood. In one embodiment, the plate connects to a holster. Further, the plate suspends from a waist strap wrapped around a waist of the user.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63/434,452, filed on Dec. 21, 2022, entitled “Holster and Tourniquet,” to Randy Watts, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention relates to a tourniquet assembly, and more particularly to tourniquet assembly integrating a tourniquet that is wrapped around a leg and a holster connected to the tourniquet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tourniquets are used for applying pressure to a limb or extremity in order to stop the flow of blood. There are several different constriction devices on the market, however the tourniquet is generally the same. It is commonly a nylon material and often cut or discarded after use.

One such example is disclosed in a U.S. Pat. No. 10,568,636, entitled “Compression Device” (“the '636 Patent”). The '636 Patent discloses a compression device useful for applying circumferential compression to an object, and includes a simplified cinch mechanism. The device includes a guidance slide, a jamming feature/pull tab, a buckle assembly and a cinch strap, which form a loop for placing about an object. The cinch strap includes both an inner portion, anchored to the jamming feature, and an outer portion, anchored to the guidance slide. The inner portion of the cinch strap passes through the guidance slide to an adjustable, locking side of the buckle assembly, and the outer portion of the cinch strap passes from the adjustable, locking side of the buckle assembly to the guidance slide. The cinch strap can move freely when pulled on by the inner portion and lock when pulled on by the outer portion, such that an inner circumference of the device is adjustable but can maintain a minimum circumferential length after tension is applied.

Another example is disclosed in a U.S. Pat. No. 10,278,708, entitled “Compression Device” (“the '708 Patent”). The '708 Patent discloses a compression device, useful for applying circumferential compression to an object, for example, as a tourniquet to occlude blood flow in a hemorrhaging extremity, is provided. The device includes a buckle assembly, first and second guidance slides, a connecting member between the first and second guidance slides, and a strap. Each end of the strap is anchored to a guidance slide. From each of the anchored ends, the strap passes through the buckle assembly, forming outer segments. The strap then returns along respective insides of the outer segments and through the guidance slides, forming inner segments. The buckle assembly, inner segments and connecting member form a loop for placing about an object, an inner circumference of the loop being adjustable by pulling on a portion of the strap located along the outside of the connecting member and between the two guidance slides to tighten the loop around the object.

Another example is disclosed in a U.S. Pat. No. 10,321,917, entitled “Tourniquet Belt” (“the '917 Patent”). The '917 Patent discloses a tourniquet that may be used as a daily wear belt. A tourniquet belt may include an elongate belt having a first end and a second free end; a securing element coupled to the elongate belt at the first end of the elongate belt; and a separate tightening element coupled to the elongate belt, wherein the tightening element is selectively actuable to tighten or loosen the tourniquet belt.

Yet another example is disclosed in a United States Publication No. 2010/0049241, entitled “Ratchet Hook Tourniquet” (“the '241 Publication”). The '241 Publication discloses a tourniquet device comprising a belt with a separable first end and second end, preferably coupled by hook-and-pin means, said hook being designed so as to be easily discernable from fabric by touch and easily manipulated manually. Constrictive tension is applied preferably by a ratchet action mechanism amongst other means.

The above patents and publications employ types of embodiments for constriction devices but are not intended, nor suitable to be used as an equipment strap, such as with use as a holster. The current tourniquets on the market are independent and require the user to remove the tourniquet from a holster or pocket, route the tourniquet around a limb, and the begin to tighten the tourniquet via a constriction device.

Therefore, there remains a continuing need for improved tourniquets that can be used with equipment such as holsters.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention provides a tourniquet for applying pressure to a limb to stop the flow of blood.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a tourniquet including a plate, a first band and a second band. The first band draws through the plate. The first band includes a tensioning member such as a ratchet lever. The second band positions within the first band such that one end of the second band connects to the first band and the other end of the second band connects to the tensioning member. The first band receives the limb of the user while the plate remains on the limb. The tensioning member operates to draw the second band towards the tensioning member allowing the first band to put pressure on the limb and stop the flow of blood.

In another aspect, the invention provides a tourniquet having a plate. The plate includes channels positioned at opposite sides. The tourniquet includes a first band that draws through the channels. The tourniquet includes a tensioning member positioned at the outer surface of the first band. The tourniquet includes a second band positioned within the first band, whereby one end of the second band connects to the first band and the other end of the second band connects to the tensioning member. The first band receives a limb of a user while the plate remains on the limb. The tensioning member operates to draw the second band towards the tensioning member allowing the first band to apply pressure on the limb and stop the flow of blood.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a tourniquet having a first band that suspends from a waist strap. The tourniquet includes a tensioning member positioned at the outer surface of the first band. The tourniquet includes a second band positioned within the first band, whereby one end of the second band connects to the first band and the other end of the second band connects to the tensioning member. The first band receives a limb of a user and the waist strap wraps around a waist of the user. The tensioning member operates to draw the second band towards the tensioning member allowing the first band to apply pressure on the limb and stop the flow of blood. In one example, the plate connects to a holster for holding a firearm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an environment in which a tourniquet assembly implements, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the tourniquet assembly, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 illustrate a top view and a side perspective view, respectively of a tourniquet, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 illustrate a bracket connector extending from a strap bracket and connecting the tourniquet, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a first band, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a ratchet lever positioned over the first band, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a tourniquet assembly, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may however be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may be present therebetween. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, and/or section from another element, component, region, layer, and/or section.

It will be understood that the elements, components, regions, layers and sections depicted in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” or “includes” and/or “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Furthermore, relative terms, such as “lower” or “bottom,” “upper” or “top,” “left” or “right,” “above” or “below,” “front” or “rear,” may be used herein to describe one element's relationship to another element as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to idealized embodiments of the present invention. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. The numbers, ratios, percentages, and the other values may include those that are +5%, +10%, +25%, +50%, ±75%, ±100%, +200%, +500%, or other ranges that do not detract from the spirit of the invention. The terms about, approximately, or substantially may include values known to those having ordinary skill in the art. If not known in the art, these terms may be considered to be in the range of up to +5%, +10%, or other value higher than these ranges commonly accepted by those having ordinary skill in the art for the variable disclosed. Thus, embodiments of the present invention should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any elements that are not specifically disclosed herein. All patents, patent applications and non-patent literature cited through this application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

Turning to the Figures, FIG. 1 shows an environment 10 in which a tourniquet assembly 12 implements, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Tourniquet assembly 12 is mounted on user 14 over his/her legs 16 with the help of a waist strap 20 wrapped around the waist 18 of user 14. Optionally, tourniquet assembly 12 is mounted over leg 16 without support from waist strap 20. Referring to FIG. 1 , waist strap 20 removably attaches around waist 18 using hook and loop, or buckle or any other known mechanism. In one example, tourniquet assembly 12 includes a strap bracket 22. Strap bracket 22 receives waist strap 20 through it and rests against waist 18 as shown in FIG. 1 . Further, strap 20 includes a bracket connector 24. Bracket connector 24 extends from strap bracket 22 and helps to suspend tourniquet 26 from strap 20. FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 show the feature of bracket connector 24 extending from strap bracket 22 and connecting tourniquet 26.

As can be seen from at least FIG. 1 , tourniquet assembly 12 includes two tourniquets 26, each being worn around leg 16 of user 14 and each being suspending from strap bracket 22 at each side. FIG. 2 shows a top view of tourniquet assembly 12 showing waist strap 20 and tourniquet 26, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show a top view and a side perspective view, respectively of tourniquet 26, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Tourniquet 26 includes a plate 30. Plate 30 is made of a suitable material with required strength. Plate 30 includes a swivel member 32 that connects to bracket connector 24, as shown in at least FIG. 6 . Swivel member 32 rotates or turns and helps to position plate 30 over leg 16. Plate 30 is anatomically shaped to receive swivel member 32 at distal end/tip and to fit over leg/thigh 16 during use. Specifically, plate 30 includes a curved portion 34 to fit over leg/thigh 16 during use. In one example, curve portion 34 has a suitable depth to properly sit against leg/thigh 16. Plate 30 includes a plurality of holes 36. Holes 36 receive fasteners or holster connectors 38 to connect holster 42 with the help of a holster bracket 40. FIG. 2 shows holster 42 connecting plate 30 via holster bracket 40. Holster 42 indicates a case or housing made of leather, fabric or metal for holding and/or restricting the undesired movement of a firearm (not shown). Although the present embodiment shows holster 42 mounting adjacent to plate 30 (at the side of leg 16), it is possible to provide plate 30 without the need for holster 42. In such a scenario, holster 42 can be provided at waist strap 20 and the firearm is placed in holster 42, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Further, plate 30 includes channels 44. Channels 44 indicate holes or cut-sections or first strap receiving sections positioned at both sides of plate 30. As can be seen from at least FIG. 6 , first strap receiving sections 44 position at the opposite end of swivel member 32.

Tourniquet 26 includes a first band or first strap 45. First band 45 indicates an external band or external strap made of woven nylon (e.g., webbing), leather, plastic, rubber, cotton, and/or another suitable material that can withstand tension forces sufficient to cut off blood flow in leg 16 of user 14. FIG. 7 shows the feature of first band 45, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen from at least FIG. 4 , first band 45 draws through channels 44 such that first band 45 positions at inner surface of plate 30 and forms a gap G between plate 30 and first band 45. First band includes a first clip 47 and a second clip 48 along its length. First clip 47 is used to connect and support a second band or second strap 60. Second clip 48 is used to adjust the width or circumference of first band 45 depending on the size or leg 16.

First band 45 includes a male member 50 at one end and a female member 52 (together forming a buckle) at another end. Male member 50 connects to female member 52 and helps to fasten two ends of first band 45. Although the present embodiment shows use of male member 50 and female member 52 to fasten two ends of first band 45, it is possible to provide other mechanisms such as hook and loop, D-ring, etc., without departing from the scope of the present invention. Fastening of the distal ends of first band 45 forms an opening 46 (with inner side of first band 45). Opening 46 indicates a leg receiving area configured to receive leg 16 of user 14, as shown in FIG. 1 , for example. Further, first band 45 includes a first ratchet ladder strap 54 fastened at the outside of first band 45. Further, first band 45 includes a ratchet lever 56 connected to first ratchet ladder strap 54. Ratchet lever 56 indicates a tensioning member connected to first band 45 via a connecting member 58. FIG. 8 shows the feature of ratchet lever 56 positioned at connecting member 58 over first band 45, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Further, tourniquet 26 includes a second band or second strap 60. Second band 60 indicates an internal band or internal strap used for tightening first band 45 around leg 16 of user 14. In one example, second band 60 is made of medium or semi-stiff material having high tensile strength. In one example, second band 60 includes a second ratchet ladder strap 62. In one example, first ratchet ladder strap 54 acts an extension of second ratchet ladder strap 62. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, one end of second band 60 connects to ratchet lever 56 on first band 45 via connecting member 58, and the other end connects to first clip 47 via a holding clip 64. In one example, first band 45 and second band 60 are connected via an attachment strap 66, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 . Here, attachment strap 66 helps to position first band 45 and second band 60 and prevent discomfort for user 14.

In order to use tourniquet assembly 12, at first, user 14 puts legs 16 through tourniquets 26 as shown in FIG. 1 . Subsequently, user 14 tightens waist strap 20 to suspend tourniquets 26 from waist 18. Optionally, user 14 places the firearm in holster 42. In order to apply pressure on leg 16, user 14 operates ratchet lever 56 by lifting it repeatedly to draw second ratchet ladder strap 62 towards ratchet lever 56. Drawing second ratchet ladder strap 62 decreases the space for opening 46 thereby tightening first band 45 around leg 16. Tightening of first band 45 around leg 16 applies pressure to leg 16 and stops flow of blood to bottom of leg 16 thereby preventing the bleeding. At the time of tightening, plate 30 remains on leg or thigh 16.

Although the above example is explained considering the tightening is achieved using ratchet lever 54, it is possible to use other tightening mechanisms such as windlass, pulley and the other ratchet designs without departing from the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows a tourniquet assembly 100, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Tourniquet assembly 100 includes waist strap 102. Further, tourniquet assembly 100 includes a strap loop 104. Strap loop 104 connects to waist strap 102 and helps to suspend a tourniquet 108 with the help of a buckle 106. Tourniquet 108 includes all the components of tourniquet 26, as explained above. Tourniquet 108 includes a first band 110 with a first ratchet lever 112 to tighten first band 110 around a leg of a user (not shown). Further, tourniquet assembly 100 includes a strap bracket 114 (similar to strap bracket 22). Here, strap bracket 114 receives waist strap 102 and helps to suspend tourniquet 108. Tourniquet 108 includes all the components of tourniquet 26, as explained above. Here, tourniquet 108 suspends from strap bracket 114 with the help of a bracket connector 24. Tourniquet 108 includes a second strap 118 (similar to first band 45) to tighten around the leg and prevent the flow of blood. In one example, tourniquet 108 includes a holster 120 (similar to holster 42, as explained above). The present embodiment is presented to provide an alternate implementation whereby tourniquet 108 can be used with a variety of suspending mechanism without departing from the scope of the present invention. Alternatively, one leg is provided with the conventional tourniquet and leg is provided with the presently disclosed tourniquet 108 depending on the need.

The tourniquet assembly provides several advantages over prior art. The presently disclosed tourniquet assembly contains a strap made of a heavier material than most common tourniquets and has buckles on either end. Further, the strap is designed to be routed through a/plate and then buckled around the limb and worn as a piece of equipment. Furthermore, the strap is provided with a constriction/tightening mechanism, the mechanism can pull the strap together causing it to constrict around the limb/leg. This creates a tourniquet, allowing the user to stop blood flow to the leg without having to remove any gear or route straps around the limb/leg. The presently disclosed tourniquet assembly is designed to be worn daily and be used to replace common straps used in holsters and the other constriction devices.

-   -   Clause 1. A tourniquet, comprising: a plate; a first band,         wherein said first band draws through said plate; a tensioning         member positioned at an outer surface of said first band; and a         second band, wherein one end of said second band connects to         said first band at an inner side of said first band and the         other end of said second band connects to said tensioning         member, wherein said first band receives a limb of a user and         said plate remains on the limb, and wherein said tensioning         member operates to draw said second band towards said tensioning         member allowing said first band to apply pressure on the limb         and stop flow of blood.     -   Clause 2. The tourniquet of Clause 1, wherein said plate is         anatomically shaped to position on the limb.     -   Clause 3. The tourniquet of Clause 1, wherein said second band         comprises a ratchet ladder strap.     -   Clause 4. The tourniquet of Clause 1, wherein said tensioning         member comprises a ratchet lever.     -   Clause 5. The tourniquet of Clause 3, wherein said tensioning         member comprises a ratchet lever, and wherein said ratchet lever         lifts repeatedly to draw said ratchet ladder strap towards said         ratchet lever.     -   Clause 6. The tourniquet of Clause 4, wherein said second band         comprises a ratchet ladder strap, and wherein said ratchet lever         lifts repeatedly to draw said second band towards said ratchet         lever.     -   Clause 7. The tourniquet of Clause 1, wherein said plate         connects to a holster.     -   Clause 8. A tourniquet, comprising: a plate, wherein said plate         comprises channels positioned at opposite sides; a first band,         wherein said first band draws through said channels; a         tensioning member positioned at an outer surface of said first         band; and a second band, wherein one end of said second band         connects to said first band at an inner side of said first band         and the other end of said second band connects to said         tensioning member, wherein said first band receives a limb of a         user and said plate remains on the limb, and wherein said         tensioning member operates to draw said second band towards said         tensioning member allowing said first band to apply pressure on         the limb and stop flow of blood.     -   Clause 9. The tourniquet of Clause 8, wherein said plate is         anatomically shaped to position on the limb.     -   Clause 10. The tourniquet of Clause 8, wherein said second band         comprises a ratchet ladder strap.     -   Clause 11. The tourniquet of Clause 8, wherein said tensioning         member comprises a ratchet lever.     -   Clause 12. The tourniquet of Clause 10, wherein said tensioning         member comprises a ratchet lever, wherein said ratchet lever         lifts repeatedly to draw said ratchet ladder strap towards said         ratchet lever.     -   Clause 13. The tourniquet of Clause 11, wherein said second band         comprises a ratchet ladder strap, and wherein said ratchet lever         lifts repeatedly to draw said second band towards said ratchet         lever.     -   Clause 14. The tourniquet of Clause 8, wherein said plate         connects to a holster.     -   Clause 15. A tourniquet, comprising: a first band, wherein said         first band suspends from a waist strap; a tensioning member         positioned at an outer surface of said first band; and a second         band, wherein one end of said second band connects to said first         band at an inner side of said first band and the other end of         said second band connects to said tensioning member, wherein         said first band receives a limb of a user and said waist strap         wraps around a waist of the user, and wherein said tensioning         member operates to draw said second band towards said tensioning         member allowing said first band to apply pressure on the limb         and stop flow of blood.     -   Clause 16. The tourniquet of Clause 15, wherein said first band         suspends from said waist strap using a strap loop.     -   Clause 17. The tourniquet of Clause 15, wherein said first band         suspends from said waist strap using a strap bracket and a         bracket connector.     -   Clause 18. The tourniquet of Clause 17, wherein said bracket         connector connects to a plate having channels positioned at         opposite sides, and wherein said first band draws through said         channels.     -   Clause 19. The tourniquet of Clause 17, wherein said second band         comprises a ratchet ladder strap, wherein said tensioning member         comprises a ratchet lever, and wherein said ratchet lever lifts         repeatedly to draw said ratchet ladder strap towards said         ratchet lever.     -   Clause 20. The tourniquet of Clause 18, wherein said plate         connects to a holster.

While the invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the words that have been used are words of description and not of limitation. As is understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art, a variety of modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the following claims, which should be given their fullest, fair scope. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A tourniquet, comprising: a plate; a first band, wherein said first band draws through said plate; a tensioning member positioned at an outer surface of said first band; and a second band, wherein one end of said second band connects to said first band at an inner side of said first band and the other end of said second band connects to said tensioning member, wherein said first band receives a limb of a user and said plate remains on the limb, and wherein said tensioning member operates to draw said second band towards said tensioning member allowing said first band to apply pressure on the limb and stop flow of blood.
 2. The tourniquet of claim 1, wherein said plate is anatomically shaped to position on the limb.
 3. The tourniquet of claim 1, wherein said second band comprises a ratchet ladder strap.
 4. The tourniquet of claim 1, wherein said tensioning member comprises a ratchet lever.
 5. The tourniquet of claim 3, wherein said tensioning member comprises a ratchet lever, and wherein said ratchet lever lifts repeatedly to draw said ratchet ladder strap towards said ratchet lever.
 6. The tourniquet of claim 4, wherein said second band comprises a ratchet ladder strap, and wherein said ratchet lever lifts repeatedly to draw said second band towards said ratchet lever.
 7. The tourniquet of claim 1, wherein said plate connects to a holster.
 8. A tourniquet, comprising: a plate, wherein said plate comprises channels positioned at opposite sides; a first band, wherein said first band draws through said channels; a tensioning member positioned at an outer surface of said first band; and a second band, wherein one end of said second band connects to said first band at an inner side of said first band and the other end of said second band connects to said tensioning member, wherein said first band receives a limb of a user and said plate remains on the limb, and wherein said tensioning member operates to draw said second band towards said tensioning member allowing said first band to apply pressure on the limb and stop flow of blood.
 9. The tourniquet of claim 8, wherein said plate is anatomically shaped to position on the limb.
 10. The tourniquet of claim 8, wherein said second band comprises a ratchet ladder strap.
 11. The tourniquet of claim 8, wherein said tensioning member comprises a ratchet lever.
 12. The tourniquet of claim 10, wherein said tensioning member comprises a ratchet lever, wherein said ratchet lever lifts repeatedly to draw said ratchet ladder strap towards said ratchet lever.
 13. The tourniquet of claim 11, wherein said second band comprises a ratchet ladder strap, and wherein said ratchet lever lifts repeatedly to draw said second band towards said ratchet lever.
 14. The tourniquet of claim 8, wherein said plate connects to a holster.
 15. A tourniquet, comprising: a first band, wherein said first band suspends from a waist strap; a tensioning member positioned at an outer surface of said first band; and a second band, wherein one end of said second band connects to said first band at an inner side of said first band and the other end of said second band connects to said tensioning member, wherein said first band receives a limb of a user and said waist strap wraps around a waist of the user, and wherein said tensioning member operates to draw said second band towards said tensioning member allowing said first band to apply pressure on the limb and stop flow of blood.
 16. The tourniquet of claim 15, wherein said first band suspends from said waist strap using a strap loop.
 17. The tourniquet of claim 15, wherein said first band suspends from said waist strap using a strap bracket and a bracket connector.
 18. The tourniquet of claim 17, wherein said bracket connector connects to a plate having channels positioned at opposite sides, and wherein said first band draws through said channels.
 19. The tourniquet of claim 17, wherein said second band comprises a ratchet ladder strap, wherein said tensioning member comprises a ratchet lever, and wherein said ratchet lever lifts repeatedly to draw said ratchet ladder strap towards said ratchet lever.
 20. The tourniquet of claim 18, wherein said plate connects to a holster. 